healthy living Archives

Wanna reduce your risk of dementia?

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly this Labor Day Weekend. I sure hope you get outside and enjoy the last days of summer with family and friends.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

Well, yours truly is happy as a clam to be home again and working from my office. Special thanks to client Mike for painting this portrait of Plato and me and the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Starbucks cards for the first three people to name the mountains in the picture.

Of course my wife Q isn’t back home yet. She’s still exploring the wilds of Madagascar and having the adventure of her life. I’m fairly certain she’ll be coming home… eventually, right Quantz 🙏❤️?

She’s still making up for thirty plus years at a desk and she’s earned every moment of this journey. As Wayne Dyer used to say, “don’t die with the music inside.”

For each of us, living an authentic life has a different definition. For Plato, it’s chasing the squirrels and the racoons (and hopefully protecting the five remaining peaches) and snuggling as much as possible.

For me, it’s all about staying connected to family, friends, and clients. It’s also about spending time outside, drinking coffee in the back yard, and preparing to harvest the honey and the grapes.

Whatever a meaningful life means to you, I haven’t spoken with anyone yet who wants dementia to be part of the equation. We can’t control all of the risk factors leading to dementia, but…

Current research shows that there are several effective strategies to reduce the risks of cognitive decline. That means we have some control over the speed of decline and the quality of our lives.

Here’s a breakdown of the key findings and actionable steps we can take to maintain cognitive health.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent cognitive decline. It improves blood flow to the brain, reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues, and helps maintain overall brain health.

You don’t have to climb a mountain to see the sunset, but a walk around the block is easy and you never know who you’ll meet on the way.

Mental Stimulation: Keeping your brain active through learning, puzzles, reading, or engaging in new hobbies can help build cognitive reserve, which protects against dementia.

Q told me the animal below is called a fossa. It’s only found in Madagascar, a cross between a mongoose and a cat and it hunts lemurs. Do you think it’d keep the squirrels out of my backyard?

Social Interaction: Staying socially engaged helps reduce stress, fosters mental health, and keeps your brain active.

The more time we are isolated from others, the more brittle we become. Connecting with others through church, volunteering, family time, or travel rewires the brain and creates new neural pathways. Remarkably neuroplasticity can continue as we age if we find opportunities to stay connected.

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (like the Mediterranean diet) supports brain health.

I’m fairly certain my little brother Haas released this fish back to the river, but he eats a super healthy diet based on the food he catches and the plants he grows on his farm.

Here’s my favorite breakfast: black coffee, a slice of Dave’s bread with avocado, and a few pecans and avocados. You’re gonna laugh at this, but I chose to give up honey (for a while) because my triglycerides shot up this year.

Oh well, we’ll see if a few months of a sugar free diet changes the numbers, keep your fingers crossed. I guess that means I’ll have more honey for you guys!

Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for brain health. It allows the brain to clear out toxins that accumulate during the day.

Are you doing everything you can to get a good night’s sleep? Here’s an article on cognitive shuffling, a technique that has proven very effective in helping people sleep.

Of course you could do what Brian and Denise do: they take sleep lessons from Miles. Now that’s a cute dog!

Stress Management: Chronic stress can damage the brain. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress.

Another great way to reduce stress is to be like Mark and go fishing with your buddies. These fellas hit their limit of Redfish in Matagorda Bay. Looks like good times to me.

Avoiding Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking are linked to a higher risk of dementia. The saddest news is that even one drink a day causes brain atrophy 😔🍷. Just remember my father’s favorite saying: everything in moderation, even moderation.

Regular Health Check-ups: Managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol can reduce dementia risk. Leverage the benefits in your Medicare Supplement plans and in your Medicare Advantage plans. That’s why we have them.

We don’t have to be perfect, we just have to try to do our best.

Take it from our son, Airman Nicholas: small improvements over a long period of a time will make a huge difference.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
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The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

We went to the wrong city 40 years too late and this is what we learned

Hello and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

Are you watching the Summer Olympics in Paris?

Q and I were hoping to compete in the bobsled competition. Turns out we went to the wrong city, for the wrong Olympics, and we were forty years too late.

Sarajevo (in the former Yugoslavia) hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984. Do you remember watching the bobsled races?

This bobsled track was once a site of glory but fell into ruin and disrepair due to war and neglect. During the war, it was used by the Serbs as a bunker from which to attack the Bosnians. After the war, the graffiti artists took over.

Our health is like a track, if we don’t take care of it, it will break down.

In the book “Good Energy,” author Dr. Casey Means explains the importance of metabolic health, how everyday choices affect our health and energy levels.

According to the book, 93% of Americans have poor metabolic health, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and chronic illnesses.

The good news is that, just as a war torn country in the Balkans can mend, focusing on small steps will increase energy levels, improve mood, and raise our overall well-being.

In the picture below, yours truly is standing in the footsteps of the assassin who shot the Austrian Arch Duke triggering World War I. Thanks goodness our former President wasn’t assassinated. That would not have been good for our country.

Here are the key take aways:

Foundations of Health: Dr. Means emphasizes the importance of foundational health practices such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.

This is the bridge of Mostar, bombed during the Yugoslavian war in the early 1990’s, now fully restored. It is now a symbol of peace and hope.

Nutrition and Energy: The book delves into how different foods impact energy levels, with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods that stabilize blood sugar and support metabolic health.

If you ever get to the Balkans, the vegetables and the olives are amazing. I’m not sure that beer is a vegetable (flexible mind, right 😉😂).

Gut Health: Gut health is highlighted as a cornerstone of overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to mental clarity and immune function.

Burek is a savory pastry made of thin, flaky dough layers. It is typically filled with beef or lamb, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. I can’t comment on its healthiness, but it is the ultimate Balkan comfort food.

As we always say at The Big 65, everything in moderation, even moderation 😊.

Mind-Body Connection: “Good Energy” also explores the intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being, offering strategies to enhance both through mindful practices and positive lifestyle changes.

My German dad was a chess fanatic so it was great fun watching these fellows in the square playing every day. They had a great time yelling, playing, and giving each other smack. I loved it. As my father always said, “they would’ve killed me like a chicken.”

For Medicare clients, understanding the holistic approach advocated by Dr. Means aligns with the wellness themes we frequently discuss in our blog (yes, like my wife Q says, I am a broken record 😊).

Here are the simple steps (and check out the chair yoga below).

Eat Real Food: Fill your plate with colorful vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats.

Move Daily: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day.

Prioritize Sleep: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you get better sleep.

Manage Stress: Find activities that relax you, whether it’s reading, gardening, or practicing mindfulness.

Don’t close the door on good health. In the old days, a strong metal door could have been the difference between life and death.

You should also watch the webinar we created on balance and mobility. These tools are the bedrock of wellness just like the pillars of health in Dr. Means’ book.

As we travel through Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina, again and again, we see the resilience of the human spirit and it gives us hope that these countries can continue to heal and improve the lives of all their inhabitants.

Despite hardship and challenge, it’s never too late for any of us to change our world or our health. Don’t ignore fires on the horizon (like this one in the hills of Mostar). If you do, you will get burned.

And in the meantime, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Ignoring these health signals might kill you!

Hello! Hope you are surviving the summer heat in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 properly.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

You know the saying, “when mama’s happy, everybody’s happy!” I do my best not to anger Quantz, but if you’re married for more than a few decades, it’s going to happen from time to time.

Of course when it happens, she’s certain to pull out the sword and slay the angry beast.

We’re soaking in the rich history and culture of Austria. We’ve visited some incredible historical sites, including this fascinating armory (32,000 sets of armor) and exhibits on the plague (it was bad). It’s been an enriching experience, especially since we were joined by our son Nicholas, who recently returned to England and is back to work on the Air Force flight line.

I’m doing my best here to emulate the panther of Graz, Austria, symbol of the city, and also Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hometown.

What makes me angry enough to look like the panther of Graz?

Well, when I hear from clients and friends and learn they’ve ignored serious health warning signs, that makes me growl🦁😠. Here are some warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.

Swelling in the leg, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, redness, and warmth, could be a sign of a blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

If you’re super healthy you may be more likely to ignore this, but do so at your own peril. Seek medical attention immediately.

A sudden, severe headache could be more than just a migraine. (Note: know when that headache comes from drinking beer while watching Euro Cup! Both my teams, Netherlands and Germany, lost 😢)

A sudden, severe headache might indicate a stroke, aneurysm, or other serious conditions. If your headache is accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, vision problems, difficulty speaking, or numbness, it’s crucial to get to a hospital right away.

Chest pain or discomfort can signal a heart attack, especially if it spreads to your arm, back, neck, or jaw. Other accompanying symptoms might include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness. Time is of the essence with heart-related issues, so don’t hesitate to call emergency services.

As they say, “slow you blow, fast you last!” Consider carrying aspirin in your purse or your wallet.

Unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it comes on suddenly, can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or even a severe asthma attack. I was definitely out of breath climbing to the top of the Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s mountain retreat), but this shortness of breath was earned honestly.

Any unexplainable difficulty breathing should be evaluated by a healthcare professional without delay.

If you experience sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, it could indicate a stroke. Strokes can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly. Look out for other stroke symptoms such as trouble speaking, dizziness, or loss of coordination.

Here’s a quick primer on stroke symptoms. Memorize the “Fast” warning signs!

Unexpected bruising or bleeding. This is a picture of Nicholas after he tried to take a selfie sitting on the top of a fence in Salzburg. He fell over backwards and rolled half way down the hill😂. Of course, as a healthy young’un, he was fine. If it had been me, I would’ve been in a world of hurt. He’s seen here recovering his earbuds.

If unexpected bruising or bleeding happens easily or for no apparent reason, it could indicate a blood disorder, infection, or other medical conditions. It’s important to get this checked out to rule out any serious underlying issues. Remember, don’t be a hero!

Understanding and recognizing these warning signs can save your life or the life of someone you love. During our travels, we’re reminded of the fragility of health and the importance of staying vigilant. Be proactive! (And watch your step when walking on stone steps!)

If you’re ever in doubt about a symptom, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and being attentive to your body’s signals are key to maintaining good health, especially as we age.

Take it from my big brother Dr. Rob (seen here diggin’ on his grandvarmint Nel): life is precious, take care of yourself and take care of others. We only get one shot at this life!

And please keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

It’s time to connect😀

Hello and may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working well this Memorial Day Weekend.

For questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

While my wife, Quantz, was visiting her dad in the low country of South Carolina, our daughter Susanna and I visited my brothers where I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

When Robert, Haas, and I get together, one thing is certain, there will be chess.

Dad once claimed he’d played Bobby Fisher in New York in the late fifties.

True or not, Chess was our religion, and Bobby Fisher, our hero. We three boys watched on our black and white TV, cheering as Fisher defeated Spassky the Russian in twenty-one games to become world champion.

As many chess games as we could get in with Dad before Mom made us clear the pieces and set the dinner table. Dad, spotting us a glass of beer and his queen, placed two minutes on his chess clock and eight minutes on ours, decimating us with time to spare.

None of us brothers ever rose above amateur. Yet, we retain a love of the game, and through this old chess board and the pieces, a connection to our father’s love. The ghost of Rinehart remains in those pieces.

Never underestimate the mental and physical benefits of social connections between you, your family, and your community.

Maintaining strong social ties can significantly enhance mood, health, and quality of life. A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that older adults who engage in regular social activities are less likely to experience depression.

Social interactions provide emotional support, which can help individuals manage stress and anxiety more effectively. After dinner, we did a stroll around the old city of Staunton. If you ever visit, check out the Shakespeare Theater and take a walk up onto the hill at Mary Baldwin College. You can also visit Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace.

Engaging with family and friends can also help keep the mind sharp. Research indicates that social interactions stimulate cognitive functions, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.

A study in the American Journal of Public Health documented seniors with strong social networks had a 70% reduced risk of cognitive decline compared to those who were less socially active.

Maintaining social connections often encourages more physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk with a friend or participating in group activities. The CDC notes that physical activity can help manage chronic conditions, improve balance and coordination, and enhance overall physical health.

Haas lives about twenty minutes south of Robert on his farm in Spottswood and he spends as much time outside hunting, fishing, and farming as he possibly can. Do me a favor and stay out of the trees and off of your own roof, please!

Being connected to family and friends provides a sense of belonging and purpose, which is crucial for a fulfilling life. This sense of community can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development has shown that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives. I’m so glad Sus came along on this trip to reconnect with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Don’t forget about loving on animals as well.

We took a quick trip down to Charlottesville with Aunt Cristi to see cousin Mia right after Mia finished her first semester as a graduate student studying physics at UVA. Both Sus and Mia got our dad’s red hair and his deep love of learning. I guess it skipped a generation.

There is also evidence to suggest that strong social ties can lead to a longer life. A meta-analysis published in PLoS Medicine found that individuals with strong social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker social connections.

Quantz’s dad is proof of this. He still volunteers weekly at Brookgreen gardens, walks daily to check out the birds at Huntington State Park, and hangs out with his coffee klatch buddies causing plenty of general mayhem. He’s proof of aging well by staying connected and repeating my favorite adage, “getting old ain’t for sissies!”

Some of the different ways to stay connected include participating in local clubs, volunteering, or attending community events. Video calls, social media, and messaging apps can also be great tools when physical distance is an issue.

By embracing the power of social connections, you can enhance your well-being and make the most of every day. Keep reaching out, stay active in your community, and cherish the bonds that bring joy and health into your life.

Or you can keep it simple and do like Buddy does: fish, laugh with friends, and love on Puff, the noisiest, sweetest Javanese I have ever met.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Have a little heart

Greetings and may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare coverage 🏥 working properly. How was your week?

Any problems with your coverage? If so, book a time on my calendar or shoot an email to my admin Gray@TheBig65.com. Let us know 😊☎️.

Plato, Q and I had a quiet Easter Sunday at home in Colorado. Sometimes it’s just nice to relax, isn’t it?

We rose early and breakfasted at The Original Pancake House, our favorite national breakfast chain. Be sure to save up your statins if you order the apple pancakes and the bacon, but man oh man, it’s worth it, three meals from one order. I don’t like their coffee, but we love their pancakes.

Which brings us to today’s topic, heart health.

You don’t have to be a doctor to know that moderation is the secret to good living. Paying better attention to our health is an important part of aging well.

Here are some helpful ideas backed by studies to promote heart health.

Stay Active:

• Engage in regular physical activity tailored to your abilities. Even gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can significantly benefit heart health. How about polishing the silverware?

• According to a study published in the American Heart Association journal, regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease in older adults by 25%.

Manage Stress:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.

• A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that stress management techniques can lead to significant improvements in heart health among seniors.

Every time I bike the bluffs, I try to drop a rock on this cairn.

Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels:

• Regularly check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as per your doctor’s recommendations.

• Research has shown that maintaining optimal blood pressure and cholesterol levels can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in older adults.

Stay Socially Connected:

• Maintain strong social connections with friends, family, and community groups. Social isolation has been associated with an elevated risk of heart disease and mortality. Tina and her sisters take a weekend trip together every year.

• According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, seniors who actively engage in social activities have better heart health outcomes. For Luke and Carmen, that means travelling forty three hours from Virginia to Jakarta to spend time with their grandvarmints.

Get Sufficient Sleep:

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep patterns have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

• A study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that older adults who consistently get enough sleep have healthier hearts compared to those who experience sleep disturbances.

Marcel just arrived in the US from the Netherlands to watch the Solar Eclipse. Will you get to see it?

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:

• Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

• Research from the American Heart Association suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can lower the risk of heart disease among older individuals by up to 30%.

• My little brother Haas grows a lot of food on his farm in the Shenandoah Valley. This weekend, he’ll be hunting for Morell mushrooms, if the deer and the gobblers don’t get to them first.

Caring for your heart is a lifelong endeavor, and we can take proactive steps to safeguard our cardiovascular health. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your heart health!

As the famous saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Let’s start nurturing our hearts today for a healthier tomorrow.

Great news! Due to your responses, Exercise Physiologist and Registered Dietician Cate Reade has agreed to create a wellness webinar on balance for The Big 65. We’ll announce the dates next Saturday. See how excited my brother Rob is 😉😂.

Please email the questions or topics you’d like Cate to address.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

By all means, don’t do this!

Greetings and may this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Connie in Ohio reminded me she’s still being bombarded by illegal Medicare calls.

If someone calls, ask for their insurance license number and watch them disappear!

Remember, it’s against the law for anyone to call about Medicare coverage without permission!

Call centers want to switch you, but they won’t be there to help when things go south. Good luck with that overseas call center trying to fix your problem!

It’s no surprise that Medicare is a pain in the…

So, if you’re having problems, or you want to review your coverage, or check options, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar. We’ll get it fixed, that’s a promise!

Last week, we talked about keys to longevity, things you can do to be healthier.

And even though Quantz calls me a “nudge,” this week, let’s focus on things to avoid!

Don’t isolate: Lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Stay connected with friends, family, and the community, or look what happens! If you isolate, you become roadkill!

Don’t engage in unhealthy habits: Excessive drinking, smoking, or a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact physical and mental health. Prioritizing healthy behaviors is crucial for maintaining well-being. Moderation is the key, right Q!

Don’t stick to rigid routines: While routines can be comforting, avoid becoming too rigid in your schedules. Flexibility and spontaneity can add excitement and variety to life. Just ask Plato!

Don’t dwell on the past: Avoid dwelling on past regrets or missed opportunities. Give thanks for what is going well, the people in your life, and look forward to the future.

The man above was my second father, Luke Sr. He was climbing ladders, causing mischief, and moving forward to the very last minute. His spontaneity and zest for living continue to be my inspiration.

Don’t compare yourself to others: Comparing can lead to feelings of inadequacy or gloating (Remember what my brother Rob said last week?) Focus on your own journey, celebrate your accomplishments, count your blessings. It’s not what happens, it’s how you choose to respond. Robert is proof of that! Keep going, keep going, keep going!

Most important, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

What’s eating you?

Greetings. May this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Plato is all smiles since Quantz returned home from a visit to her family in South Carolina. Same goes for me. Absence does make the ❤️ grow fonder.

Just a couple of days left in the Annual Election Period which ends December 7th.

I guarantee I’ll be celebrating in the snow with Plato come December 8th⛄.

If you need to make a change, Book a time here or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com and he’ll squeeze you on to my calendar, promise.

It’s been so much fun catching up with so many different clients, like Darlene…

And Rosemary…

And Judith! Congrats to ALL the contest winners.

If you won honey and you haven’t received it yet, PLEASE email me.

While Q was out of town, I had the pleasure of dining with neighbors and friends. I feel so fortunate to be part of a community.

The holidays are filled with great food and that’s a great time to reflect on ways to stay healthy.

Enjoy the season, just remember small changes in diet can have a hugely beneficial effect on long term health. Here are three ideas you may already know.

Garlic can help lower the risk of stomach cancer because it contains special compounds like allicin that can stop cancer cells from growing. It also has antioxidants that protect the stomach and reduce inflammation. Including more fresh garlic in your diet might be a good way to lower your chances of getting stomach cancer.

Just make sure everyone eats garlic together or you’ll be in trouble!

Strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation. These fruits have anthocyanins and flavonoids that can help with inflammation. Inflammation can lead to health problems like heart disease and diabetes, so eating these berries is a tasty way to stay healthy.

Consider throwing a few frozen blueberries and cranberries into your smoothie.

Walnuts are great for your colon. These tree nuts have fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants which promote gut health and aid the microbiome . Walnuts reduce the risk of colon-related issues, such as inflammation and colorectal cancer. Adding them to salads and baked goods is an easy to get them into your diet.

Dennis and Lynn have been clients for over a decade, super people who never stop moving. They love to travel. Let me know where they are and you’ll be entered in random drawing for another jar of honey!

Of course Plato is happy Q is home, but I’m sure the Christmas advent calendar with dog treats has NOTHING to do with his seasonal happiness.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

How are you treating yourself!

Happy November!

May this blog find you in great health during the madness of the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP).

Alert, Alert⏰: If your insurance company calls you to suggest a “better plan” than your current one, warning Will Robinson, danger⚠️!

Having an Independent Medicare Insurance Broker means you don’t have to settle for a single carrier sneaking in and trying to railroad you into their plan. You and I can shop all the different carriers if you have questions. Don’t be bamboozled!

Book a time here if you need me because we have till December 7th.

Plato hopes you and your family had a fun Halloween. Ours was a little colder than expected, plus some of the white stuff.

Q delegated wrapping operations from inside the house. Plato and I did our best to protect this tree from the cold and the deer. As you can see, he looks pretty comfortable in the snow.

Sunday night was all about carving pumpkins, roasting seeds, and eating treats. Wine may have been involved and the names were changed to protect the innocent.

Daughter Sus and her pals in northern Colorado had a great time celebrating the holiday. I’m sending our honey to the first three who identify the characters and the movie they represented. Bee prompt.

Congrats to Gail in Ohio for winning honey last week! She’s the only one who jumped in the leaves. Good on you Gail. Keep an eye out for a Starbucks card as well!

Technically, Bryan didn’t follow the directions to take a selfie in the leaves, but this picture wins the award for cuteness, right? Bryan, the honey is on the way.

The holidays have me thinking a lot about food and what’s ahead.

A recent news report estimated that starting from age 19, individuals experience a gradual decrease in calorie requirements, which becomes more evident in the 60s, leading either to possible weight gain or to a reduced appetite.

Aging also results in muscle loss, increased fat, brain shrinkage, and decreased physical activity, all contributing to fewer calories burned.

It’s hard for me to believe this is true when I meet someone like John, a veteran who is still working, laughing, and living well, but I guess it applies to all of us. It helps to be mindful of how we eat.

As calorie needs decrease, older adults require more nutrients like calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and protein.

Focusing on nutrient-dense foods becomes essential, with less room for treats. A multivitamin supplement can help fill gaps, but maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for health.

I had a fun surprise Monday night when my 7pm phone appointment with Helen turned into a face to face at our house with Dave, Kate, and Helen. Flexibility is the secret to good living. It was a pleasure getting to know these folks who live just minutes away.

The door is always open, just be sure to give us 15 minutes warning so Quantz can hide upstairs!

If you’re a regular reader, you know I just returned from a high school reunion in the Shenandoah Valley. Growing up in a Mennonite community, the joke always was:

Mennonites don’t have sex standing up because they are afraid it’ll lead to dancing.

Of course social mores have loosened up (see the beer glasses below) but thank goodness, the friendships remain. You can see four of the six below from the picture above and we hung out with the other two as well. As we used to sing, “may the circle be unbroken.”

I sure give thanks for these guys!

One of the joys of returning to where you grew up are the memories that return. My brothers pulled out these old pics of us playing speed chess with our late dad.

Dad would sometimes play us blindfolded and shout out the moves from the living room. He was rated just short of a Master and actually played Bobby Fisher once in New York when we were kids (so the story goes).

None of us excelled to his level but every time we visited, the board would come out and the games would begin. See how his hand is raised in the picture above and below? Even though the second game wasn’t a speed chess game with a clock, at 84 he was still in competitive form, ready to slap the timer.

Our best hope of winning was only if he spotted us a piece and a couple of cocktails.

I couldn’t count the thousands of games we played, but what a pleasure to be playing and honoring our father whenever we get together on the chessboards we played on with him.

Please share your family’s rituals, the ones you want to pass on and gift them to the next generation. You will be glad you did!

My amazing wife Q has only two speeds, on or on. She’s been home a week, caught up on the house, and now she’s volunteering again for the Sherriff’s department. Mostly phone calls and clerical, but keep an eye out for her on election day, keeping the peace at a voter station near you.

So get out there and vote, be a great citizen and THANK your neighbor for having a different set of beliefs than you do. That’s what makes America amazing!

“There is no them, there is only us!”

Keep squeezing the juice out of life!

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service?
Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Can you balance on one leg for 10 seconds?

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Question: Can you balance on one leg for 10 seconds …? Read on …

We keep hearing rumors about Spring, but it’s still cold and windy in Colorado when we go for walks!

While out with Plato in the backyard yesterday, I happened to have a pizza crust in my hand (of course I was eating pizza ) and decided to test his balance.

Even though he is eight years old he is incredibly agile.

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know I’m a health nut (my wife Q says I’m just a nut).

Regardless, I am obsessed with staying healthy because I have so many healthy clients who inspire me to be active and to follow their examples.

According to a recent news article, twenty percent of older Americans are unable to balance on one leg for 10 seconds and “that inability to balance was associated with a twofold risk in death in the next ten years.”

Brisk walking, house cleaning, yoga … there are lots of ways to build balance. The bottom line – DON’T STOP MOVING – add a little movement to your everyday routines… Just promise you won’t get on the roof to clean the gutters !!!

New client Karen stays healthy walking her dog but she also has an electric scooter (see the helmets?). She enjoys riding alongside her grandson when he’s on his electric motorcycle.

Remember, there are many ways to improve your balance, see the article.

I’ve seen stories that the Northern lights were visible in North Dakota and even in North Carolina last week, did any of you all see them? Please send pictures if you did.

Even though it’s cold here, my little brother Haas keeps sending fishing pictures from the Shenandoah Valley where we grew up. Haas loves to be outside!
Thanks to client Mike for sending this amazing picture of his father standing in Hiroshima. Mike’s father felt the call to serve our nation. He fought in the Philippines and inspired Mike and his older brother to serve, one in Korea, one in Vietnam. Nobody likes war but we are so grateful for their service.

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Remember, referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

If you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

What’s the best drink for your health?

May this find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Today, I pose the question: “What’s the best drink for your health?”

But first … the Bruns-Kyler family has returned to the States and boy are we glad to be home.

We chose to return home early because some family members are having health issues and Q wanted to be with them. That’s why I love her.

Can you tell where this week’s pictures were taken? As you read, pay attention!

I’ll be sending out Starbucks gift cards to the first five folks who email back the correct answer!

It’s great to be in my office again, plus, it’s time to get the yard ready for Spring.

For whatever reason, we’ve been seeing numerous Medicare billing issues so I have been drinking a lot of tea AND coffee to stay focused.

Be cautious before paying a Medicare related bill, mistakes are common!

This week, one client’s pharmacy claimed they didn’t have drug coverage.

That is the type of concern that wakes me up. It took a number of calls to get everything straightened out. Thank goodness the pharmacy was wrong!

I used to worry that coffee and tea could have negative effects on my health, but as long as they are used in moderation, and your doctor approves, both beverages seem to have positive health benefits.

Caffeine can boost mood and improve performance, plus both drinks are rich in antioxidants.

Some studies link caffeine to weight loss and both drinks may provide anti-cancer benefits.

One client in Texas shared how he takes a “Coffee Nap” in the afternoon.

When Michael is tired and has things to do, he’ll down a coffee, set an alarm for thirty minutes and take a quick siesta.

The caffeine will usually kick in just as the alarm goes off and then he is able to be quite productive.

If you have insomnia or caffeine sensitivity, this may not be a good idea, always talk with your doctor.

The bottom line, it’s healthy to review your liquid consumption patterns and see if you can make small tweaks to optimize productivity, sleep, and overall health.

Our Air Force son, Nicholas, is sure enjoying his first extended vacation in two years. Plato was so excited to see him when he got to our house.

We’re just happy to have our son home.

You know how quickly they grow up so don’t take anything for granted.

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin